Don Leavens

Donald R. Leavens is Senior Vice President and Chief Economist for the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA). He heads a quantitative analysis division known as NEMA Business Intelligence, which provides econometric modeling, macroeconomic forecasting, market research, economic analysis, and industry data collection services to a wide range of businesses including many of the world’s largest companies.  He is a frequent speaker at industry and company events where he focuses on the economic outlook and business trends.

In addition, he serves as an observer on the board of the Industry Data Exchange Association (IDEA), which operates an industry data warehouse and EDI services for the electrical industry.

Prior to joining NEMA, he served as Director of Tax Policy Research for the National Association of Realtors and Director of Federal Budget Policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and has held academic appointments at George Mason University and Virginia Tech. He has also written articles on public choice and public finance economics that have appeared in academic journals and has contributed articles to several books.  In addition, he has served as a member of the Governor of Virginia’s Advisory Board of Economists.

Don holds a Ph.D. in economics from George Mason University.  He also received a master’s degree in economics from Virginia Tech and a bachelor’s degree in economics from the University of Virginia.